Elizabeth Ann "Bea" Hendrix

Today, the Richmond community joins family and friends in recognizing the colorful and formidable life of Elizabeth Ann (Bea) Hendrix.

Bea lived her life fiercely unafraid, a teacher and artist in everything she did, who filled the lives of those around her with curiosity, laughter, and unwavering support for anyone daring enough to be themselves.

Bea was born November 12, 1960, in Festus, Missouri, to Donald and Mary Sue Turner. She grew up exploring the hills of West Plains and Bourbon alongside her brother, Steve Turner, who gave her the nickname Bea. Summers were spent at her grandparents' farm in Festus, climbing trees, hunting for turtle shells, and roaming Grandpa Arch McKee's barn with her favorite companion, Uncle Bob. She loved the outdoors, animals, and geology, interests that began early and later carried into trips with her own children to caves and riverbanks across southern Missouri.

After the Turner family moved to Richmond in the 1970s, Bea met Kevin Hendrix while out cruising town with friends. They began dating in February 1977 and were married on August 7, 1981, at the Millville United Methodist Church. Theirs was a strong and steady partnership, both affectionate and adventurous, built on humor and hard work.

Kevin and Bea made a life in the country, raising their children - Megan Alyse Crook (partner, Cory Crook) of Kansas City, Matthew Jordan Hendrix (partner, Erin Gilkey Hendrix) of Chillicothe, and Morgan Isaiah Hendrix (partner, Rachel Hughes) of Blue Springs, along with a lively mix of animals from Chow Chows, horses, and chickens, to a chinchilla, African Grey parrot and boa constrictor.

Bea was an artist at heart and a teacher in all things. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Missouri and later completed a Master's in Education. She began her career teaching Tole Folk Art classes and helped establish Richmond's first Parents as Teachers program, and continued her teaching career for four decades. Most meaningful to her were the years she spent reshaping the Dear Elementary art program into a multi-disciplinary curriculum that included notable artists, Egyptian art, and the beloved annual Clay Night - where families worked and created together. Her classroom was a place where effort mattered and originality was encouraged.

Bea's orbit tilted toward her grandchildren in 2014, to whom she was known as Baba or Granny. She introduced Ivy Crook (11), Alena Hendrix (9), Cas Crook (7), and Abel Hendrix (6) to her world - teaching them sewing, drawing, painting, beading, how to properly throw clay, glaze ceramics, and even some beginner glasswork. She always kept an endless supply of materials and ninja turtles on hand. She also taught them sign language, though their parents later discovered that most of the signs were swear words.

Bea helped us see that most rules are made up and authority should be questioned. Though she was small in stature, she never wavered in her confidence and strength, seemingly surprised that anything, including cancer, could dare to stop her. She recognized effort and good intention in people and was always an advocate for the underdog.
Forever is our today.

To continue Bea's legacy, memorial contributions will be made in her name to arts-based and mission-driven organizations. Contributions can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main, Richmond, MO 64085.

A visitation will be held on February 13, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond MO, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Please remember to share your memories of Bea with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.